Even if the county can’t strike a deal with the Atlanta Braves for spring training, the possibility opened up talks about sports tourism, but residents already know where they don’t want that industry to expand.

Even if the county can’t strike a deal with the Atlanta Braves for spring training, the possibility opened up talks about sports tourism, but residents already know where they don’t want that industry to expand.

A Naples man trying to lure the Atlanta Braves to Collier County for spring training confirms the land the team is interested is an undeveloped property off Collier Boulevard, but zoning and some residents stand in the way.

A Naples man trying to lure the Atlanta Braves to Collier County for spring training confirms the land the team is interested is an undeveloped property off Collier Boulevard, but zoning and some residents stand in the way.

County staff thinks they've found the perfect place the Atlanta Braves stadium: the City Gate area, which is close to I-75 and far from homes.

Commissioners will vote Tuesday on whether to move forward with the stadium on Citygate Drive.

If Richard Adams wants to watch sports, he has to turn on the TV, but soon, he could be watching Major League Baseball live and near his home.

"I used to live in Polk County where we had the Indians over there, and it was pretty cool so I wouldn't be against it at all," he said.

It would cost around $100 million, money the county plans on getting by raising hotel bed taxes and charging the Braves to play in the county.

County Manager Leo Ochs said the Braves want a new stadium by the spring of 2019, so for Collier County, it's now or never.

"We need a decision and a final deal in place probably within the next 90 days in order to do that," Ochs said.

When the stadium isn't being used for spring training, Ochs said the county plans on using it for other sports tourism events. His research shows a stadium in the county could bring in $25 million a year in direct visitor spending.

Resident Rick Grimstead likes the sound of that.

"Bringing the tourists, it would bring a lot of people here and more jobs. It would help a lot of people. I think it would be awesome."

Ahead of the commissioners' vote, Adams has a message for them: "It would give a positive influence and jobs that would come with that, and I think it would be a great idea."

If the commissioners decide to move forward with the stadium, the first step would be purchasing the land, which the owner is willing to sell, Ochs said.